iMac G5 Power Supply (burning) issues revisited: Damaged speaker wires

Last month we provided coverage of an issue where specific components of the iMac G5 apparently overheat and -- in some instances -- melt or otherwise suffer physical damage. The issue appears to be relatively widespread, with a large number of users reporting the issue.

Those experiencing these problems generally must replace one of two hardware components: the power supply, or the "mid-plane" assembly which consists of the motherboard and other circuitry. In most cases, users whose machines are still under warranty or AppleCare are able to quickly obtain replacement parts that resolve the issue.

A MacFixIt reader who wishes to remain anonymous provides us with an update on this issue, noting that it can cause damage to speaker wires resulting in audio drop-outs, or speaker "pops."

He writes:

"I am an Apple Certified Technician working for an Apple Specialist and have been providing Mac support for 11 years and have been certified since 1998.

I have been replacing a fair number of power supplies on iMac G5s to address failures and burning smells. The known power supply issues may affect more than just the power supply itself. There has been frequent need to also replace the mid-plane assembly. As the capacitators burn out inside the power supply the heat is also damaging the speaker wires that are routed directly above the power supply.

"It can be seen in a small cutout hole in the mid-plane metal frame just below the blue tooth card. The insulation on these wires is charred and/or burned off exposing the wires. This is not always the case but readers should be aware of this issue. It has cause speaker pops and noise on the systems that have the damage."

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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